The Art of Stained Glass Design
Feb 29
The beautiful and colorful design of stained glass windows have always left people in awe and wonder. Stained glass is commonly used in windows of churches and cathedrals. It shows various narratives from the Bible and may represent the saints and patrons. Nevertheless, stained glass art can be used in so many things other than windows. Jewelry boxes, necklaces, lamps, three-dimensional structures and sculptures, tables, mirror frames, wind chimes and so many others. Artists have to tap into their creativity and imagination to create these attractive and vibrant works of art.
The art of stained glass goes back to Ancient Rome. Both the ancient Egyptians and Romans worked with glass and produced beautiful stained glass art. During the Roman Empire, stunning designs were created by inserting colored pieces of glass in frames and producing stained glass windows.
Stained glass gets its color by adding metallic salts during the production of the glass. The colored glass is crafted into stained glass designs by arranging small pieces of glass to form the patterns and images. The pieces of glass are typically held together by lead strips and a rigid frame is used to give it support. The stained glass design is often enhanced by painted details and staining effects. Chemical colors can also be swept over the surface after its forging; it is then heated in a kiln to join the colors. More colors can be achieved through additives for instance copper oxide produces green colors and cobalt results to blue. The color red was formerly reached by adding gold to the glass, although in modern times other less expensive chemicals have been discovered giving the same results.
Today, stained glass works of art are displayed in various museums and art galleries. One can truly appreciate the beauty and color of the different styles of stained glass design.